Blaming their ‘witchcraft’ for deaths in village, residents kill 5, then walk into police station

The incident took place at Ektal village, around 90 km from Sukma district headquarters. The victims were identified as Mausam Kanna (34), his wife Mausam Biri, Mausam Buchcha (34), his wife Mausam Arjo (32), and Karka Lachhi (43).

“There were a couple of deaths that took place in the village – one of a boy and another of a senior citizen. Even though they died of natural causes, their family members asked a tribal pujari why the sudden deaths took place. The pujari hinted that the victims are responsible for it,” a police officer said.

The accused were Savlam Rajesh, Savlam Hidma, Karam Satyam, Kunjam Mukesh and Podiam Enka. “They do not even feel remorseful. They believe the accused were doing black magic. We are searching for the pujari and others involved in the incident,” the officer said.

Just three days ago, on Thursday, four members of a family, including an infant, were killed after a woman from their family was suspected of performing “black magic”.